Love + Fear is one of those albums that you can leave on repeat and you will not get tired of it that easily. Having two parts to it does help, but also lyrically and sound wise it is so strong and powerful that it really moves you.
By Bruna Cucolo
Recommended songs: “Baby” and “Life Is Strange”
After nearly four years, the artist you may already know as Marina and the Diamonds has come back with a new single name of MARINA. The Atlantic Records U.K. artist had already released the first part of her album which was titled Love on April 4. Last Friday, April 26 the full length release of Love + Fear was put out. This album portrays a similar unique and innovative style as before. Within her time away, she has grown artistically and through her work it shows her creativity.
The album contains two parts to it – one for “Love” and one for “Fear” – that each have eight songs. One may describe the 16 tracks as a very chill, lowkey vibe that puts you in a calm state. Although this may be true, take note that there are songs throughout the album that will also make you want to wiggle your shoulders a little and dance in your seat slightly. MARINA’s lyrics are powerful along with her musical sound, and together an outstanding record was created.
The first track “Handmade Heaven” which also begins the Love part of the album is a great start to the album itself. It eases its way into it as a nice introduction. You can picture yourself at MARINA’s concert and this song begins to play, with beautiful lighting as she appears onstage. As you continue to listen to this song, a sense of empowerment fulfils you knowing that this album is a special one and you are now a part of it.
You continue to feel at ease until track four, “Baby,” begins, featuring Luis Fonsi (whom Justin Bieber previously worked with in “Despacito”) and Clean Bandit. This song has a more Latin feel to it especially with Fonsi in it. You may think that this combination is odd, but it works really well. With “To Be Human,” MARINA expresses her struggle by singing, “still, I don’t know what life means/don’t know what it means to be human.” It is something that many may have a conflict with, but know that you are not alone in this.
With the second half of the album, Fear shows MARINA’s more vulnerable side. It is, in a way, more mellow and relaxed than the first half and also has a slightly darker sound to it. “You,” the third track of this half, is about needing that person with you even though they are not fully there for you as much as they think they are. “You don’t know me like you think you do,” is how she begins the song to set the mood for what she is about to say throughout the rest of the song. Each song shows a little bit of different sides of the artist which is good in the way that it allows the listener to get to know her better.
“Soft To Be Strong” is the last song of the entire album. It is easy-going, a good way to end the album on a light note. In this song, she is realizing the truth, even about love when she says, “I found out love has to be soft to be strong.” Specifically towards the end, the song is very calm and helps you relax for when the album is truly over (until you play it again).
Love + Fear is one of those albums that you can leave on repeat and you will not get tired of it that easily. Having two parts to it does help, but also lyrically and sound wise it is so strong and powerful that it really moves you. While listening to it, you may feel a slight high if you are listening with headphones and are just chilling. It will relax you while some of its tracks have a more upbeat tune to it that can get you going again. MARINA did a wonderful job with this album, showing off more of who she is and letting people in. Take a listen and join MARINA on her journey of love and fear.
